Which Ants Are Bad For House?
WouterAmong the largest ants in the United States, carpenter ants are a serious threat to your home. They can chew through wood and even damage windows and doors. If left unchecked, they can weaken the structure of your house, allowing it to collapse over time.
Typically, carpenter ants are black in color. They build nests in wood, especially around windows, doorframes, and other places where water can interact with wood.
The most interesting fact about ants is that some of them can even survive in heated buildings. They are attracted to sugar and grease. They also like to live in flower pots, and can be found most often in Florida.
They are small and hard to spot, but they can carry harmful bacteria from the trash to your stored foods. Some ants even carry the bacteria Staphylococcus.
Several species of ants also need a reliable source of water to survive. These species include the pharaoh ant, which can carry the bacteria.
The best way to avoid an ant infestation is to avoid food sources that they are attracted to. Leaving crumbs behind, leaving fruit on counter tops, and leaving dog food in bowls are all things that can attract ants.
Insecticides can also help, but they should be specifically designed for ants. If you don’t want to use chemicals, you can prevent ants by sweeping frequently. If you don’t see any ants, you may want to check your yard for dead rodents or dead insects.
